Hamad International Airport is set to expand its flight network further in early July as five more international airlines prepare to restart services, according to the airport's latest operational update.

Beginning July 1, Royal Air Maroc, Philippine Airlines and Akasa Air will resume flights to and from Hamad International Airport. Malaysia Airlines is scheduled to restart operations on July 2, while Iberia is expected to return on July 3.

The latest additions follow the gradual restoration of airline services that began on April 21. Since then, 31 airlines have resumed operations at the airport. With the return of the five carriers in July, the total number of airlines operating through Hamad International Airport will increase to 36.

Airport authorities said flight operations continue in close coordination with the relevant authorities and airline partners to ensure the smooth management of services. However, the airport advised passengers that flight schedules remain subject to change and could be modified or cancelled due to circumstances beyond its control.

Source: ZAWYA

Abha International Airport has reached a new operational benchmark after processing more than 130 flights in a single day, setting a record for the highest daily traffic volume in the airport’s history.

The milestone was achieved on July 5, when the airport, managed by Cluster2 Airports, handled a total of 132 flights. The day's operations included 117 domestic services and 15 international flights.

According to Cluster2 Airports, the increase reflects strong travel demand during the summer season, supported by efficient airport operations and a rise in visitor arrivals. The operator noted that the Asir region’s seasonal events, scenic landscapes and cultural attractions have contributed significantly to growing passenger numbers.

The airport operator said the achievement aligns with the goals of the Aviation Programme under Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The initiative is focused on increasing airport capacity, improving passenger experience and raising operational efficiency across the Kingdom’s aviation network.

The latest record highlights the continued growth of air travel in southern Saudi Arabia as authorities work to strengthen the country's aviation infrastructure and tourism sector.

Source: TradeArabia

Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) at Dubai South has announced a major expansion by UUDS AERO, which has grown its operational footprint within the aviation hub to more than 180,000 square metres since launching its first facility there in 2022.

The expansion highlights the company's growing role in meeting regional and international demand for aircraft cabin completion, modification, certification, manufacturing and maintenance services. It also reinforces MBRAH’s appeal as a strategic base for aerospace companies seeking to expand within an integrated aviation ecosystem.

Since establishing operations at MBRAH, UUDS AERO has developed four facilities within the Aerospace Supply Chain zone. A fifth airside facility is currently under construction as part of the company’s ongoing growth strategy.

The company is also advancing plans to develop two additional Code F plots, which will support wide-body aircraft cabin completion and retrofit programmes. These developments will also pave the way for the region’s first Cabin Excellence Centre within the Airline Manufacturing and Supply Chain Zone.

The latest expansion reflects the continued growth of aerospace activity across MBRAH, supported by advanced infrastructure, strong connectivity, regulatory advantages and access to a broad network of aviation manufacturers, suppliers, maintenance providers and industry stakeholders.

Tahnoon Saif, Chief Executive Officer of MBRAH, said UUDS AERO’s rapid growth demonstrates the strength of the aerospace ecosystem being developed at Dubai South. He noted that MBRAH remains committed to supporting Dubai’s ambition of becoming a global aviation centre by providing businesses with the infrastructure and connectivity needed to expand and serve international markets.

Gilles Negre, Founder and Chairman of UUDS AERO, said the company’s expansion reflects its confidence in Dubai’s aviation industry and the opportunities available through its strategic location. He added that Dubai South has enabled UUDS AERO to strengthen its capabilities, broaden its customer base and enhance collaboration with aviation stakeholders worldwide.

Source: ZAWYA

Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Qatar Airways have launched the Fast Pass biometric service, introducing facial recognition technology to streamline the passenger departure experience and reduce reliance on physical travel documents.

Developed in partnership with technology provider SITA, the system enables travellers to pass through key airport checkpoints using facial recognition instead of repeatedly presenting boarding passes or identification documents.

The rollout is among the largest biometric passenger initiatives in the Middle East and one of the most extensive globally, integrating more than 700 biometric touchpoints into a unified travel journey while incorporating security and data protection measures throughout the process.

Passengers can enrol in the Fast Pass programme through self-service check-in kiosks at Hamad International Airport or via the Qatar Airways mobile app. Once registered, they can access dedicated biometric lanes at check-in, baggage drop, security screening and boarding gates, using their face as their boarding credential.

The facial recognition process takes only a few seconds, helping to reduce waiting times and minimise document checks, particularly during peak travel periods. The service is voluntary, with conventional processing remaining available and airport staff on hand to assist passengers.

The introduction of Fast Pass comes as demand for biometric travel solutions continues to grow. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a majority of travellers now favour biometric identification over traditional paper documents.

As part of Hamad International Airport's wider Innovation Roadmap, the new system supports the airport's transition towards more efficient and digital passenger processing. Airport officials said the Fast Pass platform will be expanded to additional touchpoints over time, with plans to make the technology available to other airlines operating from HIA in the future.

Source: ZAWYA

Egypt is expected to reveal the first results of its airport public offering programme before the end of the year, according to a report by the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK), citing the regional director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group.

The IFC, which is serving as the Egyptian government's strategic adviser on the initiative, said progress has been made in restructuring the programme aimed at increasing private-sector involvement in the management and operation of the country's airports.

The initiative covers 11 airports, with Hurghada Airport among the first facilities planned for offering to private operators.

As part of its advisory mandate, the IFC is carrying out technical and financial evaluations, designing public-private partnership (PPP) frameworks, and promoting investment opportunities to domestic and international investors. The programme aligns with Egypt's broader economic reform strategy and the government's State Ownership Policy Document.

The airport offering initiative is intended to improve operational performance, enhance passenger services and attract fresh investment into Egypt's aviation sector by expanding the role of private operators.

According to NBK, successful implementation of the programme is expected to boost infrastructure investment, strengthen the efficiency and competitiveness of Egypt's air transport industry, and reinforce investor confidence in the country's ongoing economic reform agenda.

Source: ZAWYA